Playworks NY/NJ

Monday smiles with Coach P & his new Junior Coaches at Park Elementary @nboe.bsky.social! Junior Coaches help shape a more structured, supportive & welcoming playground environment by leading games and encouraging positive behavior among younger students. Loving the good vibes they’re bringing!💫

Sending positive vibes and match day magic to our partners @gothamfc.bsky.social for tomorrow’s @nwslsoccer.com final! Lace up, lock in, and go crush it! We’re cheering you on from the sidelines!⚽️

On World Children’s Day, we’re championing what every child deserves: safe, healthy play that fuels confidence, builds community, and fosters a sense of belonging. Ready to champion these pillars at your school? DM us or reach out here: bit.ly/4a0DotN #playworks #powerofplay

The new Junior Coaches at Abington Elementary @nboe.bsky.social
are already shining with Coach K. Through the Playworks Junior Coach program, 4th & 5th-grade students develop communication & teamwork skills, serve as positive role models in their school community & assist coaches during recess.

Coach Machi brings the energy to Franklin Elementary School @nboe.bsky.social. Ms. Cotto and Mr. Kemple did a fantastic job modeling teamwork and joy through play with their students - their enthusiasm is contagious! Keep up the great work, team.💫#playworks #powerofplay

Adults are in on the fun! Coach P led a lively game of Switch at Park Elementary School. Special shout-out to Ms. Davis, a security guard at school, for joining the game & bringing her energy. Connection, laughter, and fun—the perfect trio we love to see in action! @nboe.bsky.social #playworks

Playworks is delighted and honored to partner with @gothamfc.bsky.social and @lmtischfund.bsky.social to
launch Elevate Play to further expand access to safe, healthy play and inspire children through the excitement of attending a professional soccer match.

Attention-getters, claps, and cooldowns make managing groups easier. Whether it’s in the classroom or walking down the hallways during transitions between activities, Playworks has quick and fun tips to help keep kids engaged, focused, and ready to learn. Learn more:http://bit.ly/4pLAZsG

What a blast modeling new recess strategies at PS131 in Queens! Coach Niya added new games, including relay races, 1-shot basketball, along with a throwing & catching space to the yard. From students to staff, everyone caught the excitement as it filled the school! @nycschools.bsky.social

The new school year is here! We’re rolling out back-to-school play tips to make the transition smoother than a box of fresh crayons. Icebreaker games are a great way for students to connect and get to know one another. Ready to play? Click here for more info: bit.ly/41Ly6gW

Family vibes x2! Team NYNJ is lucky to have not one, but two sets of siblings on our team this year, bringing joy and positivity to our schools.🍀 #playworks #teamworkdreamwork #powerofplay

Family vibes x2! Team NYNJ is lucky to have not one, but two sets of siblings on our team this year, bringing joy and positivity to our schools.🍀 #playworks #teamworkdreamwork #powerofplay

Family vibes x2! Team NYNJ is lucky to have not one, but two sets of siblings on our team this year, bringing joy and positivity to our schools.🍀 #playworks #teamworkdreamwork #powerofplay

Rock, Paper, Scissors Relay = Friday fun with Coach Kelly at Abington Avenue Elementary School @nboe.bsky.social!
#playworks #powerofplay

Backpacks ✔️
Game faces ✔️
Ready for a new year of learning ✔️
Happy Back-to-School Week to our amazing schools across New York & New Jersey! We’re sending a big cheer to educators, staff members, and students as they step into a new year with energy, care & curiosity, powered by play. #playworks

Summer learning is in full swing! 🚀Our team’s jumping into new games, group management wins, and conflict-busting moves for a great year ahead! #playworks #summerlearning

Summer Learning = fun + teamwork! Today’s Rock, Paper, Scissors Relay had us laughing, thinking quickly, and staying on our toes. We’re excited to bring this energy to our schools next month!Want to join the fun? Learn how to play: bit.ly/4oKzXg1
#playworks #summerlearning #gamesforkids

Kickball + laughter + team spirit = the perfect way to start the year with our @americorps.bsky.social
coaches & staff! The energy is high as we head into pre-service days filled w.learning, creative planning & preparations for an amazing year ahead. We can’t wait to see you at school! #playworks

Happy #InternationalYouthDay! Sending a big Woosh Clap to the kids who inspire us to lead with kindness, play with purpose & dream big.🙌Swipe through some of our favorite moments powered by play & laughter. Here's to building more spaces where every kid feels safe, seen & ready to shine! #playworks

When kids play they strengthen their ability to engage in teamwork, develop respectful communication, practice solving their own conflicts, engage as confident leaders, and so much more. Discover how play supports skill development: bit.ly/3GWFdMm
#playworks #educationalresources

A call for states to level the playing field in school recess

States need recess laws

Standardize mandated recess time

Recess cannot be withheld as a punishment

The research is clear - recess matters! Explore three evidence-based policy recommendations on how and why recess should be prioritized from this recent commentary published in the Journal of School Health. Learn more by reading the full report here: bit.ly/4nSQHkw

Are you interested in serving as an AmeriCorps Coach with Playworks? To be in an environment that encourages you to promote play & engage with kids to support their learning &development? Join Playworks as an AmeriCorps Member- perks include laughter & daily high-fives. Apply here: bit.ly/4nTCdBc

☀️Hot fun in the summertime! Looking for ways to keep kids active while staying cool? 💦Check out these fun and safe water games to play for all ages. Click the 🔗 to learn more: bit.ly/3Tr81PP #playworks #gamesforkids #keepingkidsactive

Playworks helps schools & community organizations turn everyday moments into meaningful movement. The easiest way to get kids moving? Through play!
✅Strengthen motor skills
✅Improve heart & muscle health
✅Boost mood &mental focus
✅Build confidence in physical movement

Learn more: bit.ly/4ezM1Mr

☀️School's out, but the #powerofplay never stops! As we wrap up an amazing year of laughter, teamwork & play, we want to celebrate all the students, teachers & staff who made this school year unforgettable. We had a blast being your partner in play! Have a fun summer & see you next school year!☀️

Grab your crew and gear up for Flag Football! This high-energy game builds leadership, teamwork, communication, and coordination—all while having fun. All you need are cones, belts, & a football. Perfect for larger groups ready to run, pass & play! Learn the rules here: bit.ly/3TEGVVf #playworks

During their last Junior Coach meeting, Coach Aja's 4th & 5th graders @ Abington Elemntary @nboe.bsky.social
came together to recognize 50 leadership qualities in each other! They shared their thoughts in fun & meaningful ways, ending the year on a high note w.positive affirmation for one another.☀️

☀️Friday vibes are here! Great seeing these Junior Coaches step up & kick off recess with clear, confident directions, with help from Coach Q at McKinley Elementary School @nboe.bsky.social! Love to see good energy & great leadership. Keep leading the way! #playworks #youthleadership #powerofplay

Great day of celebration, connection & appreciation at our Junior Coach Leadership Conference. Shoutout to our @ameriCorps Coaches for helping these 4th & 5th graders build confidence, grow as role models, and gain life skills that go beyond the schoolyard. Keep shining! #playworks

NYNJ Flag Football Tournament = Total Touchdown! 🏈 We loved seeing kids from schools across Newark. The energy was high, the teamwork was strong & the school spirit was off the charts! Big thanks to all of the families for their support & to our all-star team for organizing such a fun tournament!

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! These Junior Coaches showed up for Student Staff Swap at First Ave Elementary School's @nboe.bsky.social Student Staff Swap Day dressed as Coach Peighton. Love seeing them celebrate their role model & lead by example! #playworks #positiverolemodel

Rain or shine, Coach Q's Junior Coaches @nboe.bsky.social are always ready to lend a hand! From setting up games during recess to building school spirit, these 4th and 5th graders are role models. Keep shining!✨